Introduction to Critical Thinking and Research Methodology
Overview
This unit enables students to develop their critical thinking, analytical skills and understanding of the research process so that they can utilise these skills in academic and workplace environments. Students will be introduced to particular aspects of written and spoken communication, particularly dealing with writing a literature review and presentations skills with a focus on research methodology and critical thinking. Emphasis will be placed on the student’s ability to research, write a literature review and present the material. It will demonstrate their understanding of communication in a workplace and for academic environments. Students will be encouraged to be creative, critical and innovative in their approach to assessment tasks.
Requisites
31-January-2025
30-May-2025
26-September-2025
30-January-2026
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Present research and findings using appropriate registers
- Demonstrate the ability to write clearly and concisely in a range of registers with a major focus on writing a literature review
- Deliver an oral presentation for an audience
- Maintain a journal of reflection and participate online
- Demonstrate the ability to think critically and creatively
- Demonstrate an understanding of the way in which the library works and is crucial to the research process
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning) |
2 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Face to Face Contact (Class) |
2 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Face to Face Contact (Laboratory) |
2 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Unspecified Learning Activities (Independent Learning) |
6.5 | 12 weeks | 78 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULOs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis | Individual | 20% | 5,6 |
| Assignment | Individual | 10% | 1,2,5,6 |
| Online Journal | Individual | 20% | 1,2,4,5 |
| Presentation | Individual | 10% | 1,3,5,6 |
| Review | Individual | 40% | 1,2,5,6 |
Content
- Reading and understanding academic texts
- Writing a literature review
- Researching materials (primary and secondary) for a specific purpose
- Presenting information to an informed audience
- Applying critical and creative thinking for the purpose of research
- Establishing research skills and an understanding of a library context
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.